First of all, welcome to my new column…

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Victoria. For those detectives amongst you: I am a girl, but don’t let that cloud your judgement. I’ve had a season ticket at Hillsborough since 1989 and I’m also pretty nifty in midfield. In fact, I spent most of my childhood convinced that Trevor Francis would one day spot me playing in the local park, contact the FA to organise a girl to join his team and invite me to take over from Graham Hyde.

Sadly my dreams of playing professionally never came true and, despite a brief appearance as Ollie Owl at the Cardiff City game last season, I have never kicked a ball on the hallowed turf. I’m still holding out hope, despite having the knees of a centenarian, that I will be playing the ball through to super Leon one day.

I’m sitting writing this after listening to a pretty impressive turnaround at Deepdale. Preston became victims of the mighty *cough* Owls and of what Chris Turner would describe as “a nightmare 2-0 lead.” That said, the loss of Jermaine ‘hamstring’ Johnson for three weeks has done nothing for my positivity for the relegation run-in.

Of course I’d love to think that by the time this has gone to print, Wednesday will have climbed the table and cemented their place in the Championship again for next season. My heart says yes but, as usual, my head says no.

Obviously, I would love to see us back in the Premiership. Especially if we were looking down, proudly, on our lovely neighbours (*cough* again). The blue and white blood pumping through my veins reminds me that one day we will be there again. For now, I’m happy to see what Mr Strafford, Mr Parker and Co. have in store.

I really am trying to stay as positive as possible. I know that community-wise, the club is heading in the right direction. I just wish I could, hand on heart, say the same about the football. I sympathised with Brian Laws and Russ Wilcox. Having worked with them fairly closely, I saw two men desperate to push the team forward. Unfortunately things got relatively stagnant and I was sorry to see them move on.

Having worked at S6 for a while, I can honestly say that both Brian and Russ were a pleasure to work with. Both of them were very intelligent and educated to the highest standard, amongst the most qualified in the Football League. Brian Laws, especially, worked incredibly well with the media (you’ll notice he’s a regular feature on Sky Sports News.) I wish both of them, and their families, the best of luck at Burnley. I would love to see them turn it around for the Clarets.

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Back to the present: I have faith in Irvine, I thought he was desperately unlucky at North End and I’d like to see him get the best out Wednesday. On paper, we’re fantastic. We have some big names in the squad with the likes of Darren Purse, Marcus Tudgay and Michael Gray. Not forgetting Lee Grant who I believe, is to be  thanked  for the fact we’re not much lower in the league than we are already.

We also have some brilliant players to build on with the likes of Tom Spurr, Mark Beevers and Sean McAllister. I’m in no doubt that their progression to first-team football is thanks to the Academy Manager, Sean McAuley, and his brilliant staff.

I’ve had a few friends in the past who have been under McAuley’s rule. Not one of them has a bad word to say against him and every experience I have had of him has shown how truly professional he is. I was delighted to see he signed a new deal with the club and I am looking forward to seeing the likes of Liam Palmer, Vadaine Oliver and Paddy Lacey coming through the ranks.

The one question that I can’t seem to avoid is whether or not I plan to renew my season ticket this year. Of course, at the moment I am giving the answer I have given for the last ten years: “Not unless they pull their finger out. I’ve got better things to waste four hundred quid on.”

The answer, of course, is a total lie. I have absolutely nothing better to waste my money on. I’m resigned to the fact that next season; I am not going to see Lionel Messi tearing up the wing, Wayne Rooney celebrating in blue and white or Fabio Capello sitting next to Lee Strafford in the Directors’ Box.

I suppose that’s one of the benefits to being an Owl; you know exactly what to expect. I know that I will still travel for hours across the country to see a scrappy 0-0 draw; will still sing ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ with all my might at 3pm – only to be sat in silence five minutes later; still moan about the goalkeeper/defence/midfield/strikers for 90 minutes. I know all this, so why do I know I will renew?

Quite frankly, it’s worth it. For every hour of misery, there’s a minute of glory. There’s that moment when Clarke knocks one in the bottom corner, or Lee Grant pulls off a world-class save. There’s always that moment, albeit rare, where the referee blows the final whistle and you leap to your feet in appreciation. That’s what being a Wednesday fan is all about, that’s the point of it all. Think back to Wembley, Cardiff and even Leicester away the other year.

That, my friends, is what makes my blood blue and white and that’s why I will never leave Gangway T, North Stand, Hillsborough, S6 1SW. It’s my second home and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Until next time: Up The Owls.

Victoria Wood is a Sheffield-based PR Consultant and Copywriter. You can contact her via her Twitter account, @Victoria1867 or via email talk@fairycommunications.com.

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